Asean ministers air concern on China sea buildup

SINGAPORE – Southeast Asian foreign ministers yesterday aired concerns over China’s activities in disputed areas of the South China Sea, noting that land reclamation continued even after talks began between their 10-member bloc and Beijing to agree on a code of conduct.

Meeting in this city-state, the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) welcomed the start of negotiations, while calling for restraint in activities and avoidance of any actions that may complicate the situation.

“We discussed the matters relating to the South China Sea and took note of the concerns expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations and activities in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the region,” Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said.

Singapore has taken over the role of chairing ASEAN for 2018, and this week hosts meetings of the group’s foreign and defense ministers.

China and ASEAN in August adopted a negotiating framework for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Has Phl been sold?

In Manila, two opposition senators lamented yesterday Malacañang’s apparent lack of vigilance to defend the country’s territory amid reports that China is almost done militarizing seven Philippine-claimed reefs in disputed waters.

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, a Liberal Party member, said the new developments were alarming.

“Has our country been sold already?” he asked. “While their war ships are in our seas, we continue to give in to their whims and, all the while, we are kept in the dark as to our government’s dealings with China.”

Aquino reiterated his call on Malacañang to bare to the public its policy with regard to dealing with China.

He also renewed his request for the Senate leadership to act on his resolution seeking a review of the administration’s policy toward China.

Last September, Aquino filed Resolution 158 seeking to clarify the country’s foreign policy direction to determine the administration’s position on several issues, including dealings with China.

LP president and Sen. Francis Pangilinan said he was deeply troubled by how Malacañang has downplayed the reported militarization of the South China Sea by China instead of protesting this. He said the government has a “sacred core duty” to protect Philippine territory.

He said the attitude of the administration on the continued reclamation and militarization of China in the South China Sea was unacceptable.

“What makes a country? Aside from the recognition of its neighbors, a country is defined by its territory and the people in that territory, and its ability to defend its territory and people,” Pangilinan said.

“That’s why we are deeply troubled that instead of expressing outrage, Malacañang displayed a nonchalant attitude in playing down China’s militarization of the entire South China Sea,” he added.

Pangilinan said it was disturbing to hear presidential spokesperson Harry Roque relying on China’s word that it would not reclaim new islands, “thus, we can sleep soundly at night.” –